Amon Gordon, a three-year letter-winner for the Cardinal from Mira Mesa High School in San Diego, today announced that he will forgo his final year of eligibility and make himself available for the 2004 NFL Draft.

Gordon, a 6-3, 285 defensive tackle, started 18 games the past two seasons for Stanford, including all 11 in 2003. He led all Cardinal defensive lineman a year ago with 33 total tackles. He was also credited with seven tackles for loss, four pass deflections, two quarterback sacks, one fumble recovery and one blocked kick.

Gordon redshirted the 2000 season as a true freshman and played a reserve role in 2001 before moving into the starting lineup in '02 and '03. "The coaching staff at Stanford did a great job these past four years preparing me for the NFL," he said. "Coach (Buddy) Teevens, Coach (Dave) Tipton, and Coach (Tyrone) Willingham have all been influential in my personal growth on and off the field. I feel that I am ready to test my skills and the challenges of the National Football League."

"Amon has been a valued member of the Stanford football family the past four years," said Teevens, "and we wish him well in his pursuit of an NFL career."

Gordon came to Stanford as one of the most highly-touted preps in the nation. A versatile player, he has played inside linebacker, defensive end and special teams, and converted to defensive tackle in 2003, where he was Stanford's most effective lineman and one of the team's top defensive players.